Shirley Bazemore Obituary

To everything there is a season. Fall was the season on November 10, 1935- Mary Shirley Bazemore affectionately known as "Shirley" was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to parents- the late Elder James Earls and Ida DeBerry Earls. She was the fourth of eleven children. She departed this life on Thursday, September 7, 2023, peacefully at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia after battling a long illness. Shirley was baptized and became a member of Union Holiness No. 2, Portsmouth, Virginia at an early age under the Leadership of Bishop Charles A. Twine. She later moved her membership to First Pentecostal Church of Christ Holiness under the leadership of Bishop Paul M. Howard, Sr. She was educated in the Portsmouth Public School System and attended Norcom High School. Later, Shirley moved to Manhattan, New York and completed Business Trade School. Shirley married the late Henery E. Dessett and to this union, three children were born, Kimberly, Darrell, and Karen. She worked in the Garment Fashion District for 18 years. Shirley returned to Portsmouth, Virginia and began her career at National Linen Service Union Local 218 on January 6, 1966, where she worked as the dedicated Union Shop Stewardess for Union Local 218 and Lead Seamstress. On January 11, 1972, she married the love of her life, James Bazemore Sr. Shirley received the prize of her life at the young age of 40 with the birth of James Bazemore Jr. After 41 years of service with National Linen, She retired on October 7, 2007. Shirley joined Trinity Faith Diamond Baptist Church on February 21, 1999. She was a faithful member until she relocated to Lithonia, Georgia in 2012. Shirley joined Shady Grove Baptist Church on April 24, 2012. Shortly after joining, she joined the Mother's Board and served as the Chaplain. Mother Shirley Bazemore also served as a member of the Pastor's Aid Auxiliary. She was a dedicated member. Shirley returned to Portsmouth, Virginia in 2017, however illness hinder her from returning to Trinity Faith Diamond Baptist Church family. Shirley was known for her stylish wardrobe; she loved mixing, matching prints, and textures, and let's not forget her signature hats. . . gloves, purses, dresses, suits, and shoes. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters- Lucille Artis, Helena Toland, Betty Ruth Roundtree, and Ida Cleo Hunter. Brothers- Nathaniel Earls, Pastor Haywood Earls Sr. , and daughter - Kimberly DessettShirley will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Left to cherish her memories are daughters Karen Clark, Monica Bazemore, (both of Chesapeake) and goddaughter Sadie Mongomery (Suffolk). Sons Darrell (Denise), Dessett Lithonia GA, James (Niki) Bazemore, Jr, (Portsmouth), Michael Bazemore, (Chesapeake) Marvin Bazemore Sr, (Portsmouth), Antonio Parker (Portsmouth), and Jason Rombach (Windsor, Virginia). One sister, Pastor Ellen Battle (Wilson, North Carolina). Brothers, Dr, James Roger Earls (Portsmouth), Sr. Chief Raymond Earls, Sr. (Ret. BWM NAVY) (Linda) Lithonia GA, Dr. Julian Earls, Sr. (Zenobia) Cleveland Ohio, and Reverend Dr. Robert Earls, Sr. (Dr. Karen) Portsmouth Virginia. Grandchildren: Daphane Dessett, Kiera Clark, Christopher Clark, Jaden Bazemore, Denishia Dessett- Harris, Dekisha Dessett -Watson, Tony Davis, Jr. , Nicole Long, Jalyn Bullock, Jaheel Teets, and Damien Dessett, 6 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren, and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting monetary donations to Trinity Faith Diamond Baptist Church in memory of the late Shirley D. Bazemore.